Kris Benson Out for Entire 2007 Season

Baltimore Orioles righty Kris Benson has chosen to undergo surgery to repair a partially torn right rotator cuff which will land him on the DL, possibly until November. It was unlikely that Benson would pitch at all this season, anyway, so no surprise there.

Through the first week and a half of rehab, Benson's results were encouraging. However, last week the pain grew increasingly worse, ultimately leading to his decision to have the surgery.

It's all good in Baltimore, though.

The O's signed veteran righty Steve Trachsel to a one-year, $3.1 million deal last month to replace Benson in the event he would not return to the rotation in 2007. Smart cookies.

Benson was 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA in 30 starts for the Orioles last season - second on the team in both wins and starts, behind lefty Erik Bedard.

Ah, there was an Anna Benson joke in there somewhere, but I can't quite find it.

[Baltimore Sun]

Orioles Forget All About Kris Benson

The Baltimore Orioles have forgotten all about your rotator cuff, Kris Benson.

The club moved on faster than your ex-girlfriend, filling Benson's spot in the rotation with free agent righty Steve Trachsel. The two parties have agreed to a $3.1 million, one-year contract which includes a $3 million salary this year and a 2008 club option with a $100,000 buyout, pending a physical.

Trachsel, 36, was 15-8 with a 4.97 ERA for the New York Mets last season and is a career 134-143 with a 4.28 ERA in too many 14 major league seasons.

[Baltimore Sun]